In advance of severe weather tonight, the National Weather Service added a tornado watch for Middle Tennessee, including Rutherford County, to its list of warnings about tonight's weather.

The tornado watch is in effect for all of the midstate through midnight, but could be extended depending on the timing of the storms. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Rutherford County until 7 p.m.

Earlier today, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood watch and wind advisory for all of Middle Tennessee through Tuesday afternoon.

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Residents should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings.

The NWS also warned that scattered damaging wind with gusts of up to 70 mph are possible and isolated large hail events to 1 inch in diameter possible.

The watches and advisory were issued in anticipation of heavy rainfall amounts of 1 inch to 3 inches with some locally heavy amounts as a strong cold front moves through the area tonight.

Out ahead of the front, the NWS expects scattered to numerous thunderstorms to develop after 7 p.m. in Middle Tennessee and between 9 p.m. and midnight in Rutherford County.

A few of these storms could become severe with damaging winds, torrential downpours and possibly hail. A few tornadoes will also be possible, the NWS said in its warning.

After the NWS issued the watch, the city of Murfreesboro issued a press release warning residents to use caution this afternoon and this evening.

City Street Department crews have been working to clear storm drains of leaves and excessive debris left by weekend downpours ahead of additional rainfall, said Mike Browning, Murfreesboro spokesman.

"The Street Department will have crews on standby throughout the evening and into the morning to address roadway flooding," Browning said.

Since grounds are already pretty moist from rainfall over recent days any additional heavy rains will produce rapid run off and the possibility for flash flooding.

The expected heavy rainfall in a relatively short period will likely cause some flash flooding, according to the NWS.

Because of the amount of rainfall over the past few days and the additional rainfall expected this evening, the motoring public is reminded of the dangers surrounding standing water and flooding:

-Flooding can occur as streams and rivers flow over their banks, or any time there is rainfall with significant duration and intensity.

-Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall. Be cautious during storm seasons, or any time that flooding is common in your area.

-Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out roadway ahead, turn around and find another route to get to your destination.

-Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road. Water can conceal dips, or worse, floodwaters can damage roadways, washing away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground.